Florida QB Anthony Richardson Declares For The 2023 NFL Draft

Florida Gators quarterback and one-year starter Anthony Richardson has declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, and with it comes plenty of future debate.

The 2023 NFL Draft declarations are rolling in fast now, and the top prospects should be doing so in the coming weeks. One of the biggest was this afternoon, when Florida Gators signal-caller Anthony Richardson opted to declare for the 2023 NFL Draft rather than returning for another season.

After redshirting in 2020, Richardson played in seven games during the 2021 season, completing 59.4 percent of his passes for 529 yards, and six touchdowns to five interceptions. He was handed the reigns in 2022, and completed a measly 53.8 percent of his passes for 2,549 yards, 17 touchdowns, and nine picks.

Inconsistent play littered his 2022 campaign. After a strong outing against Utah, many believed he had arrived, and that the season would be a major success. He ran into trouble with accuracy and decision making, and struggled throwing outside the numbers to his left. Still, Richardson kept Florida in games with splash plays through the air and especially on the ground, where he ran 103 times for 654 yards and nine touchdowns.

Richardson’s raw talent and limitless upside will come up across the draftverse and among NFL teams all process long. There are few college quarterbacks who possess the arm strength he has. Richardson can flick his wrist and send the ball 50-plus yards down the field. His ability to scramble and succeed on designed runs help his floor as well. He has instincts as a passer when facing zone coverage, and can be a nightmare off-script with his size and speed.

The question of “tools” has been a topic of discussion for several years now in the NFL Draft world. Josh Allen is the best example of success in that department, but the 2021 quarterback class offers a different tale so far. It’s going to be fascinating to see where Anthony Richardson ends up when the 2023 NFL Draft gets underway.